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CORTLANDT, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed into law the Veterans’ Employment Act, a bill sponsored by State Sen. Greg Ball (R, C, I – Patterson).

The bill gives military veterans preference for temporary state jobs that it normally fills with employees from for-profit temporary services companies.

“We jump through hoops to prepare young men and women to enter into the military, but once they finish their service there is often very little transition back into civilian life. Many of our servicemen and women find this transition very difficult and often-times can’t find meaningful employment upon their return,” Ball said in a statement. “This new law will help lead our unemployed veterans into the workforce."

New York is home to more than 900,000 veterans, including 90,000 who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Upon returning home, these heroes are facing unemployment rates that far surpass that of the general public.

Comments (2)

While I think it is great that there are programs to help the returning vets looking for work, I hope that Governor Cuomo realizes they are not the only ones hurting in this economy and it might be nice to see some other programs aimed at improving employment in general. I was a teacher for 27 years, lost my job when the school closed due to enrollment issues, and have been unemployed since. With more schools closing at the end of this school year across the state, it might be nice to see some effort to help us too. I taught the children of NY state and tried to give them options for their future by being well educated children. Where are my options now?